Surgery for Battle of Hastings

Multiple graded stakes winner Battle of Hastings, who suffered a condylar fracture to his right front leg in the May 7 Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (gr. IT) at Churchill Downs, came out of surgery well May 8, according to trainer Gregory Fox. The operation was conducted by Dr. Larry Bramlage.

“According to (equine surgeon) Dr. Bramlage, he could make a full recovery,” said Fox of Battle of Hastings, who took a bad step near the finish of the turf race on the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) undercard.

“Following the surgery, it’s truly a masterpiece,” added Fox. “The fracture line, you can’t even see it now. It’s a great testament to everyone’s professionalism from start to finish. He’s a great patient. I just left him and he’s walking around the stall as if nothing happened; it’s incredible.”

Fox said jockey Joel Rosario had pulled Battle of Hastings up immediately after he realized something was wrong during the race. “He was incredible in his ability to pull him up as well as he did,” said Fox, who also praised the quick and efficient response of the Churchill outriders, ambulance crew, and onsite veterinarians.